At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is why we offer a range of optional safety equipment that could be included to your machine or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device needed on the forklift according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is standard on all types of lift trucks. Though forklifts are not required to have audible or visible warning devices, there are a few cases where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and each situation must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most frequently motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into account is the noise level produced by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other noises in the work site and the sound should be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even if other machines may be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is originating from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms might need to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Regulations must also be followed so as to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently rotating, flashing or strobe lights, many points should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are main concerns to take into account to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees. Colour of safety lights must be different from background surfaces and other lights which are within the work site. Safety device positioning are of utmost importance. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light positioning should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not overly obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to suit many application requirements including halogen lights and weather-resistant LED that hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the lift truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has a lot of options which will help increase visibility in low-light situations.